Judge Asserts Right To Rule On Border Wall

(AP) - A judge who was berated by Donald Trump during the presidential campaign says he's inclined to conclude he can decide a lawsuit that challenges the president's proposed border wall but gave no indication how he'll rule.

U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel said during 2½ hours of arguments Friday in San Diego that he was leaning toward deciding he has jurisdiction in a lawsuit that alleges the Trump administration overreached in waiving laws that require environmental and other reviews. The administration argues he doesn't have jurisdiction.

Curiel asked the administration and wall opponents to file additional briefings by the end of Tuesday. He said he would likely within days after that whether to dismiss the challenge by the state of California and environmental advocates or let it proceed.